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Will Muschamp calls UF's open practice sluggish

Florida's football team scrimmaged Friday night. You could tell Saturday morning.

The Gators held an open practice at Florida Field and, in some areas, looked much like the 7-6 team from a season ago.

The defense thoroughly outperformed the offense in the drills in which the two units went up against each other. Muschamp admitted UF held a significant portion of its scheme out, not wanting it to make its way to the internet for an opponent to find. The offense rarely, if ever, used the motion and shifts that are a core part of first-year offensive coordinator Brent Pease's scheme.

"In the scrimmage yesterday, we had about 120-plus snaps total, including special teams," Muschamp said. "That's why obviously today we looked a little sluggish out there."

Muschamp did comment on the improved depth of the roster, saying last season a scrimmage couldn't last for more than roughly 80 plays.

Both Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel had trouble consistently completing passes. The receivers also had difficulty shaking free of the secondary. The defensive line also seemed to get a constant push against the offensive line.

The result isn't surprising. UF's defense ranked eighth in the nation last season in yards allowed and returns 10 starters, while the offense was 105th in yards gained.

A few offensive players looked solid, including true freshman tight end Kent Taylor. He made a few receptions 20 yards downfield.

Trey Burton made a couple nice catches. Quinton Dunbar made a nifty grab on a long pass from Driskel after cornerback Marcus Roberson interfered with him on the play.

Solomon Patton caught a deep ball from Brissett.

Defensively, cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy looked sharp. Despite getting flagged multiple times, Roberson was consistently with his man. True freshman Buck linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. looks more physically developed than players that age and will clearly play a sizable amount this fall.

Muschamp said the team will conduct its third scrimmage Tuesday, then the depth chart will begin to crystalize as UF prepares for its Sept. 1 opener against visiting Bowling Green. The starting quarterback isn't expected to be announced until the Monday before the first game at the earliest.

In injury news, Muschamp stated true freshman D.J. Humphries suffered an MCL injury in a knee and will miss two-or-three weeks. Linebacker Lerentee McCray suffered a hamstring injury in Friday's scrimmage and didn't practice Saturday, but is expected back Monday. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was a non-contact participant Saturday after getting his shoulder nicked up Friday.